Fatwa regarding Milad

Society Religion & Philosophy
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The gatherings arranged to remember the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, the mercy to the mankind, are called Milad gatherings. Remembering the life of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and teaching others about it, is an act of great blessing and virtue. However all good deeds have to be performed according to the rules and guidelines established by the Shariah. To exceed them is a grave sin. For example reciting the Qur’an is a great act of virtue, but it is prohibited to do so while one is in ruku or sujud in prayers. Likewise, Salat is one of the most important acts of worship. Yet, it is haram to perform it at sunrise or sunset.

Similarly, there are rules governing the blessed remembrance of the Sirah. For example, this remembrance must not be associated with a particular day or month; it should be considered equally virtuous during every month of the year, every week of the month, and every day of the week. Also it can take any permissible form. For example you can arrange a reading of an authentic book on Sirah or have a lecture delivered by a scholar. Doing that is not only permissible but it will bring great reward. But it is important to stay away from the evils found in the prevalent Milad gatherings. Here are some of those evils:

  1. A particular date (12 Rabi-Awwal) has been designated for this remembrance. There is no evidence supporting this designation during the time of Sahaba (Companions), the tabiyeen (the generation that followed the companions) or taba-tabiyeen (the next generation). This designation is bida’a (innovation).
  2. The element of showoff (riya) is commonly present in these gatherings.
  3. If someone does not attend these gatherings, he is looked down upon.
  4. Distribution of sweets is considered an indispensable part of the proceedings.
  5. To meet the expenses donations are collected from sometimes unwilling people who give money under social pressure. According to the hadith it is not permissible to take any Muslim’s money without his willingness.
  6. Intermixing of men and women commonly takes place in these gatherings. People stay late at night in these meetings thereby missing the next morning’s prayers.
  7. The focus of the talks delivered there is very limited. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has given guidance for every aspect of our life. These cover acts of worship, dealing with other people, morals and manners, social relationships, business dealings, etc. However, it has been observed that the prevalent Milad talks concentrate mainly or solely on the account of the birth of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and his miracles. They do not attempt to cover the vast teachings of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. [Thus, not only the form of these meetings but also the message given by them is generally a distorted one. Translator.]

For these reasons one should refrain from the prevalent Milad gatherings. However if care is taken to avoid all of these evils and to follow the Shariah carefully, then a meeting organized to remember the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, with the sole purpose of seeking Allah’s pleasure, will Insha-Allah be a blessed event. And Allah knows best.

Written: Muhammad Abdul Muntaqim Sylheti (Darul-Ifta, Darul-uloom Karachi)

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Many of us may be celebrating Milad-un-Nabi these days that is why I felt that I should post this. I too had a question regarding this last year. May Allah guide us. Ameen.

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

jazakAllah..........May Allah reward him with good.

~~~ Missing someone ~~~
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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

good read

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

[quote]

  1. The element of showoff (riya) is commonly present in these gatherings.
  2. If someone does not attend these gatherings, he is looked down upon.

  3. Distribution of sweets is considered an indispensable part of the proceedings.

  4. To meet the expenses donations are collected from sometimes unwilling people who give money under social pressure. According to the hadith it is not permissible to take any Muslim's money without his willingness.

  5. Intermixing of men and women commonly takes place in these gatherings. People stay late at night in these meetings thereby missing the next morning's prayers.

  6. The focus of the talks delivered there is very limited. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has given guidance for every aspect of our life. These cover acts of worship, dealing with other people, morals and manners, social relationships, business dealings, etc. However, it has been observed that the prevalent Milad talks concentrate mainly or solely on the account of the birth of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and his miracles. They do not attempt to cover the vast teachings of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. [Thus, not only the form of these meetings but also the message given by them is generally a distorted one. Translator.]

[/quote]

^ these points sound like the allegations agains CJP.

Analyse this :

"because your pickle does not contain olives thus it is better to aviod. It is better to eat olives (i.e following sunnah) instead of eating mango pickle."

Give me a break !

[quote]

  1. A particular date (12 Rabi-Awwal) has been designated for this remembrance. There is no evidence supporting this designation during the time of Sahaba (Companions), the tabiyeen (the generation that followed the companions) or taba-tabiyeen (the next generation). This designation is bida'a (innovation). [/quote]

Ok. I agree that celebrating Milad-un-nabi ( the way it is done in indo-pak ) is a bidah. but then again, Sahaba, Tabeyeen, and taba' tabeyeen have practiced bid'ah ( not this one but some other innovation in religion ) and enacted it.

What is your opinion abt that ? I mean staying away from one bid'ah and wholeheartidly following other ?

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

You are doing what christians do....taking bits from here and there to argue....

Havent you read the last highlighted part.

~*~ Brand of Vehicle ~*~
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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

^ me, christian. :konfused:
Aunty ! Yahoodi kaha hota, koi value to hoti dunya mian :grumpy:

that highlighted part is very dodgy …

However if care is taken to avoid all of these evils and to follow the Shariah carefully,

  1. How can i guess what is evil and what is not ? He seems to be quite accomodating, when allowing something which is basically bid’ah according to him . If bid’ah is evil then the event can’t be held at the first place, if bid’ah is not evil then why he mentioned in the first point, Pakra gaya naa :faizy:

  2. How do in know what he means by following the shariah carefully, Is suicide bombing part of it or not ? :hmmm:

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

This is amazing ....that one person has understood the point of the Shaykh but other person has'nt.

Now you Read again and find ...where did he say that bidah is evil.

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

First you have to understand what Shariah is. We can’t study and understand all of it because we don’t take the time do so like Mufti Saheb did. We should show more respect to such people because we are not at their level of iman. We were talking about Milad, not suicide bombing it is totally opposite. Everything that has come, that is present, and has to come has been answered by the deen of Allah. InshALLAH we will understand.

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

Already people spend so little time focusing on religion and deen. And now if we start telling them to even avoid a religious gathering just because a few people think it may not be sanctioned in their limited tunnel-vision Islam, then I guess as an individual we will be doing a great disservice to the ummah. The whole discussion about biddah (and what is and is not permitted) is not something you can fit in a paragraph with bullet points. I'd say people should spend as much time as they want, learning about Islam, the life of the messenger (PBUH) and all the good our deen has to offer. They should do this whenever and whereever they have an opportunity. Those who do not like this should take a hike.

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

Behind that paragraph and bullet points a lot of research has been done by the leading scholars. This is not the view of just a few but this is the view of the majority of Ulema of the past and present time.

People need to praise these Ulema for the work they do! This is just a general statement, not directed to anyone in particular.

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

I completely disagree that this is a majority view. How can anyone claim this kind of thing? No one even has a count of number of scholars to be even talking about majority view. I will agree though, that on this topic, like many other topics in Islam, there is a difference of opinion and both sides have valid and reasonable arguments to support their points of view. So instead of getting into a pissing contest that my scholar is better than your scholar, I'd say give it a rest. You stated your pov, and others are doing the same. My personal view is the one I gave in my earlier post.

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

Honest dude, You will not last long here. We like to stay within our fortified walls and do not tolerate or broker dissent.

Sometimes I wonder, blind faith is supposed to be the cornerstone of all beliefs yet we have no qualms in condemning others.

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

JazakAllah cricket playa =)

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

In that vain this poor person is'nt very likely to survive anywhere, cause the utopia you described has yet to be established...

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

Well, milad-ul-Nabi is anniversary of a day that brought good news to the Muslims, as on that day, Prophet (SAW) was born.

To celebrate Eid-e-milad-ul-Nabi is not fard, it is volunteer celebration and is to do with happiness that Muslims receive because their most beloved was born on that day and got them freedom from Kufur. This celebration is similar to celebration what Jews use to do on day of Ashura, as on that day Musa (AS) got them freedom from Pharoah. Similarly the day Prophet (SAW) was born is the day Muslims got freedom from kufur.

Those that consider that day a good and auspicious day, they should remember that day, celebrate on that day, pray to Allah for the gift he gave to Muslim on that day, show happiness on that day, and do whatever they can to remember that day.

Well, as normally happens, every good news could become bad news for some. Similarly the day when Prophet (SAW) was born was a day that brought bad news for some too. Those who are children of Shaitan hate the day when Prophet (SAW) was born and feel very uneasy when Muslims celebrate the day Prophet (SAW) was born.

Those for whom that day when Prophet (SAW) was born brought bad news and unhappiness; it is natural that they would feel sorrow on that day and would feel abused if others celebrate that day and show happiness.

Just imagine Kuffar-e-Makkah. These loosers lost everything when they lost all their Gods in Khana-e-Kaba after fatah-e-Makkah. Actually, after fatah-e-Makkah and loosing all their Gods, they had no choice but to leave the religion of their fathers and accept Islam. How humiliated they must have felt can be anyone’s guess. Obviously, birth of Prophet (SAW) was bad news for them, and for them to get upset when Muslims celebrate the anniversary of that good news, is natural.

[Their chailay chamchay even today do not want Muslims to celebrate Eid-e-Milad-ul-Nabi and feel humiliated and furious if any Muslim does].

As for remembering and celebrating Anniversary of past days that brought good news, in Islam, it is sunnah of Allah as well as Prophet (SAW).

For instance, Hajj is an Anniversary of the day when Adam (AS) and Hawa (AS) met each other on earth (at Arafaat), recognised each other, prayed to Allah for forgiveness together and Allah forgave them at Arafaat. Sacrifice (Qurbani) on Hajj happens as Anniversary and remembrance of the day and events when same was done by Ibrahim (AS). Rite of running between Safa and Marwa is Anniversary of the day when Hajra (AS) did the same on that day. Throwing stone on symbolic Shaitan is anniversary of actual event when Ibrahim (AS) did the same.

Allah liked all what happened above and in accordance with his sunnah, Allah made all those happenings as well as days those happened, as day of celebration and made Muslims to celebrate those events as rituals and made that anniversary a religious rite (worship).

In Quran, there is mention of auspicious days too. Day when a great person is born or dies is special day. Here is what Allah says about the day Jesus (AS) was born and the day he would die.

Surah 19, ayah 15
YUSUFALI: So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)!

Obviously, peace on him on certain days does not mean that there is no peace on him on other days. Some might say that it only means that there is peace on him through out his life, from day he was born to the day he died, but again that would make no sense, because that means there would be no peace on him after death until the day he would be raised.

Thus, what the above ayah actually means is that the day he was born, the day he would die and the day he would be raised again (judgment day), all these days are peaceful, auspicious and blessed days for him (Jesus (AS)).

Jesus (AS) also said the same about those days (from Quran).

Surah 19, Ayah 33:
YUSUFALI: "So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)"!

Well, apart of Allah recommending Annual celebration of particular days (Hajj and events related to Hajj) on basis of events, is there any proof that even Prophet (SAW) valued days and celebrated that day annually just because that day brought good news in the past?

Actually, there is such day. Rather, just knowing that a particular day brought good news, Prophet (SAW) did not waited for wahi but declared it as day for celebration. Actually, command of Allah did not come to celebrate that day. It seems that Prophet (SAW) did not even know about the importance of that day but enquired. Just knowing from Jews that the particular day brought good news, Prophet (SAW) made it a day for celebration.

Here is the day (Ashura):

Hadith from Bukhari:

Volume 6, Book 60, Number 202: *
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
**When the Prophet arrived at Medina, the Jews were observing the fast on 'Ashura' (10th of Muharram) and they said, "This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh," On that, the Prophet said to his companions, "You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses' victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day." *

Now it is obvious that good news happened for Jews when Musa (AS) had victory over Pharaoh, and Jews started celebrating that day annually on anniversary of that day. Notice what Prophet said? He said that Muslims should celebrate too as good news related to Musa (AS) is good news for Muslims too, and thus Muslims also have right to celebrate victory of Musa(AS).

Thus, from above hadith it is clear that people can celebrate a particular day if they are closer (rather have any links) to the person that day is associated. Prophet (SAW) was born on a particular day and that day brings to Muslim more happiness then the victory of Musa (AS) over Pharaoh. Hence that day deserves celebration much more then any day.

Victory of Musa (AS) over Pharaoh caused liberation of Jews from the clutches of Pharaoh (not clutches of kufr but just from slavery). Whereas, day Muhammad (SAW) was born caused start of liberation for Muslims from the clutches of Kufr.

Obviously, Muslims who love, respect, and consider Prophet (SAW) close to them should celebrate the day Prophet (SAW) was born. It is that day when their liberator from Kufur arrived in this world and gave them victory over Kufur. That day was auspicious day for Muslims. This day for Muslims is much more auspicious then the day when Jesus (AS) was born or when Musa (AS) got victory over Pharaoh.

Obviously, that day when Prophet (SAW) was born was mourning day for Kafirs (like Kuffar-e-Makkah and Shaitan) and surely they would scorn that day and would feel upset if any one celebrates that day. Even today, all those who are agents of Shaitan hate the day Prophet (SAW) was born and scorn this day and scorn those who celebrate this day. Their limit of scorn is such that they go mad and could even do suicide to stop this celebration.

From hadith, some of the reasons Prophet (SAW) gave when ordering to observe Ashura.

Hadith and reasons: Regarding closeness to Musa (AS), that closeness Prophet (SAW) mentioned was closeness between Muslims and Musa (AS). Regarding closeness with Muhammad (SAW), it is obvious that this closeness is between Muslims and Prophet (SAW).

*Check if what Prophet (SAW) said to Muslims about their relation with Musa (AS), does that relation you also have with Prophet (SAW), that you deserve to celebrate Eid-e-Milaad-ul-Nabi? If not, do not celebrate that auspicious day by all means, as this day is not for you. *

Bukhari:* Volume 6, Book 60, Number 202: *
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
When the Prophet arrived at Medina, the Jews were observing the fast on 'Ashura' (10th of Muharram) and they said, "This is the day when Moses became victorious over Pharaoh," On that, the Prophet said to his companions, *"You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses' victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day." *

There are many hadiths with respect to this issue, saying same things:

[Bhkhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 222: *
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, "This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So, Moses fasted this day." The Prophet said, *"We have more claim over Moses than you."** So, the Prophet fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day).

Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 55, Number 609: *
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
When the Prophet came to Medina, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of 'Ashura' (i.e. 10th of Muharram). They used to say: "This is a great day on which Allah saved Moses and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Moses observed the fast on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allah." The Prophet said, *"I am closer to Moses than they."** So, he observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it.

Bukhari: Volume 5, Book 58, Number 279: *
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
When the Prophet arrived at Medina he found that the Jews observed fast on the day of 'Ashura'. They were asked the reason for the fast. They replied, "This is the day when Allah caused Moses and the children of Israel to have victory over Pharaoh, so we fast on this day as a sign of glorifying it." Allah's Apostle said, *"We are closer to Moses than you."** Then he ordered that fasting on this day should be observed.

Muslim: Book 006, Number 2518: *
Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that when Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) came to Medina, he found the Jews observing the fast on the day of Ashura. They (the Jews) were asked about it and they said: It is the day on which Allah granted victory to Moses and (his people) Bani Isra'il over the Pharaoh and we observe fast out of gratitude to Him. Upon this the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: **We have a closer connection with Moses than you have*, and he commanded to observe fast on this day.]

In all above hadiths, Prophet (SAW) told Muslims that: You have closer connection with Musa (AS), have more claim over Musa (AS), have more rights to celebrate Musa (AS) … So, celebrate good days associated with Musa (AS) and observe fast *"You (Muslims) have more right to celebrate Moses' victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day." *

So one can say to Muslims that if they have: claim over Muhammad (SAW) and are closer to Muhammad (SAW), they should celebrate the day this auspicious person, Muhammad (SAW) was born as it was that day Islam became victorious over kufr.

**We should understand that Prophet (SAW) never did anything on his own will but did all according to the will and guidance of Allah. Nevertheless, this event related to Ashura shows that Prophet (SAW) decided to celebrate, regardless of any 'wahi' for it from Allah. Just knowing from Jews that on this day good news came for Jews in the shape of victory of Musa(AS) over Pharaoh, Prophet (SAW) ordered that this day should be celebrated. **

**The reason is obvious, and that reason is that even this celebration that Prophet (SAW) declared, it was from Allah. Allah made it happen in such way (without sending any wahi regarding it) so that Muslims should realise that to celebrate auspicious day does not need command of Allah but knowing of an auspicious day is enough, and thus one should/could celebrate that day. **

**This guidance was given by Allah in such way so that later Muslims do not get confused, especially concerning days that they might celebrate or remember in future. **

If Allah has made celebration of a particular day linked with his command, Prophet (SAW) would not have ordered celebration without wahi. If that would have happened, for some, that would meant Allah has closed the door for celebrating a day on its auspiciousness. The reason being that after Prophet (SAW), door of wahi is closed.

**Obviously, even in eyes of Allah, days have values and importance. (We cannot do Hajj on any day or pray Juma on any day, but Allah has made certain days particular for these things. Some are actually Anniversary days, as all of Hajj days are Anniversary days). **

Allah has made human nature in such a way that they also make particular days auspicious and celebrate. Thus, by above event (regarding Ashura), Allah has shown through his prophet that if people believe that a particular day is auspicious (and brought good news) to them, they can celebrate.

This is the reason there is no harm or anything wrong in celebrating Independence day, Qrar-dad-e-Pakistan day, Quiad-e-Azam Birthday, Death anniversary of Quiad, your or your kids birthday, wedding anniversary etc. As long as a day has brought good news for you and you consider it auspicious, there is nothing wrong to celebrate that day in Islam.

[Purpose of my post is not to hurt anyone neither the post is directed towards anyone. Any feeling that the post is directed towards them should be taken as coincidence. I am sure that I could not have hurt Muslims; nevertheless, some may have got hurt. If anyone, be they Shaitan or Insaan, Musalmaan, Munafiq or Kafir, if they got hurt or felt scornful reading my post, I am sorry.

Its best that when we talk about religion or try to think/understand religion, we keep our mind open, as after death we would not be able to make excuse that we were misguided because we believed on our parents, teachers (whom we took as scholars), or believed whatever came to us with close mind. Because, Allah has clearly mentioned in Quran that people with close mind are same as animals and their abode will be hell.

We should understand that religion and beliefs does not belong to someone, but it is guide for all and belong to all human race equally. Thus, we should never take things related to religion as personal. In this world we are all learning and going through test that would determine where we would end up after death. So it is best to always look for guidance.

Those who ask guidance from Allah and keeps their mind open, it is they who benefits most from guidance of Allah. Guidance always comes through others (whom Allah makes means for guidance). Guidance comesin the form of right or wrong mixed, and it is our duty that we use intelligence (that Allah has given us) to sort out right from wrong, as no one would be answerable for us on judgment day. No one, not even parents, local Imams, or teachers whom we may take as scholars, trust them and value most, would be answering for us on judgment day or would be responsible for our misguidance.].

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Re: Fatwa regarding Milad

this is a very complex topic...regarding both sides ..both sides have very good and real arguments....but i cannot say anything ...just one thing that let leave the suspicious thing as quoted in hadees that there are few things that are halal ..some are haram ..some in between....so i think personally ...and very humbly that no doubt about the greatness of this day and happiness....but if we in the whole life ..do not celebrate this day ...there is no sin on us...but in celebrating ..according to some scholars..might be risk of falling into bidah..again say that its my personal opinion as i have no knowledge or authority on any matter.. i amj just a iota of existence in front of the great scholars of islam....as in hadees is written ....Jis nai mairi sunnat sai muhabbat ki..uus nai mugh sai muhabbat ki...so the best way to get the love of prophet (pbuh) and indirectly of Allah (as in quran) is to follow the sunnah as much as you can..

thats my personal view..you can disagree with that...any comments....

d0n't you jst h@t3 !t whn ppl....